Prenatal vitamin
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The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (December 2021) |
Prenatal vitamins, also known as prenatal supplements, are
Customizations
Vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, calcium,[3] and iron[4] are in higher concentrations, while nutrients such as vitamin A are reduced to reflect the current understanding of the role that these compounds play in fetal development.
The increased dosage of
Many prenatal manufacturers have chosen to include the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their product, either as an ingredient in the formula or as a complementary softgel. Although explicitly in many formulas to support neural development, the omega-3 fatty acids are used by both mother and fetus to create the phospholipid bilayer that makes up cell membranes.[7]
Side effects
Many women have difficulty tolerating prenatal vitamins or experience constipation as a result of the high iron content.[9] Due to tolerance challenges, the prenatal vitamin industry has developed a multitude of dosage forms to meet the needs and tolerances of expecting mothers. The most common form of prenatal vitamin is the compressed tablet which is available through all channels and at various quality levels. Category leaders utilize this as the dosage form of choice.[citation needed] Other organizations within the category offer products in a variety of dosage forms such as liquids, prenatal vitamin soft chews, vitamin chewables, and even jellied prenatal vitamins.
Availability
Prenatal vitamins are available both over the counter in retail stores as well as by prescription from medical professionals. Although prescription vitamins are often covered by insurance, the relative potency of prescription-grade products are typically not significantly different from those available through retail. Differences in prescription versus retail vitamins do however exist in consistency and quality level, as well as the relative bioavailability of some specific ingredients. For example, many[
References
- ^ "Eating Right During Pregnancy". www.eatright.org. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
- ^ a b c "Folic acid supplementation in pregnancy".
- ^ a b c Katherine Zeratsky. "Prenatal vitamins: OK for women who aren't pregnant?". MayoClinic.com. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
- PMID 17279193.
- ^ "Prenatal Vitamins". Archived from the original on 2002-12-20. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
- PMID 12396171.
- ^ a b "Vitamins and other nutrients during pregnancy - March of Dimes". Retrieved 2018-01-08.
- PMID 27528012.
- ^ Terrie, Yvette C. (June 21, 2018). "Prenatal Vitamins: The Essential Building Blocks for Healthy Moms and Infants". Pharmacy Times. Retrieved November 7, 2002.